A foot of snow on the ground and a long run on the schedule. What's a runner to do?

I love to get away to the Laurel Highlands in winter. It truly is a winter wonderland. But that doesn't mean I can get away from training for a spring marathon.

I had the proper clothes for outdoor exercise. But instead of battling the snowy roads and snowier trails on the mountain in my running shoes, I clicked into cross country skis for an alternative endurance workout. As a guideline and for curiosity's sake, I also strapped on my GPS monitor to record time and distance.

The cross country ski- snowmobile parking lot was packed with cars. Also crowded was the first half-mile of Loop Trail, a favorite for cross country beginners and an access to trails farther on.

Following several overdressed skiers toting daypacks kept me from starting out too fast. After a slow warm up, my legs were almost ready for the first steep hill leading away from the hustle and noise of the road.

I dropped over the back side of the ridge and glided smoothly through barely tracked powder. It's amazing how different the terrain looks under a blanket of snow. Head-sized boulders that mean a death-defying mountain bike descent in summer were buried in soft white.

Locust Camp Road, an old logging road that leads from Laurel Mountain Ski Area into the state forest, offered a straight and steady ascent. I imagined myself on one of the old narrow-gauge rail trains chugging mighty hardwood and spruce logs from the forest.

At the end of the road, I took one of the less-traveled trails that lead around rocks and over hidden gnarled roots. I hoped I wouldn't encounter one of the trail's namesake black bears.

Although bear sightings are common in summer in this area, smart bears should all be down for a long nap at this time of year.

After a twisting, sometimes technically difficult trip on Black Bear Trail, I found myself back on Summit Road. Snowmobiles buzzed past me in a whirl of white.

A couple walking a cold poodle asked me if cross country skiing was difficult.

I always think the explanation of cross country skiing is more complicated than the act. I smiled and told them that it's easy once you got the hang of it.

That's really only half true. Cross country skiing is an endurance sport. The better shape you are in, the faster and longer you can ski. Many people don't get beyond a trudging pace.

After a half mile or so on the main road, I gladly turned into the parking area for Beam Run Trail. Surprisingly, I was the first to make tracks on the gradual downhill access to my favorite route, Spruce Run Trail.

I began to feel the fatigue of hours of skiing. Still, as I ascended through the tunnel of spruce boughs along the icy mountain stream, I felt fortunate to be out and able to enjoy the winter.

When I reached the parking lot, I looked at my watch and GPS: three hours and 13 miles. I wondered how that would equate to running time and distance and if I had done enough to qualify as a long run on my training schedule.

When I reached the warmth of my cabin and a cup of hot chocolate, I knew I'd stretched my endurance enough for one day. I examined two near-blisters on my heels, then settled in for a nap in front of the woodstove. That could be the best part of exercise in the winter wonderland.

Where does he find the time?Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has entered the April 21 Boston Marathon. Huckabee will join Team Hoyt, a Boston charity dedicated to mainstreaming the physically challenged. This will be Huckabee's fifth marathon. His personal best is 4 hours, 26 minutes recorded at the 2006 Little Rock Marathon.

Saturday, 7:30 a.m.: Three Rivers Running Club Group Run, Robinson Township. Meet at former Wickes Furniture store for a run on Montour Trail. 412-490-0881 or www.eliterunners.comSaturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. 724-898-2525 or www.runpa.comSaturday, 8 a.m.: Hot Harry's Group Run, North Park. Run from 7 to 20 miles. Leaves from Lt. Stone Field.Sunday, 8 a.m.: Hot Harry's Group Run, North Park. Same as Saturday's run.Sunday: Slippery Rock University All-Comers Track Meet, Slippery Rock. 724-738-2798Feb. 11, 8 a.m.: Frigid 5 Mile, Murrysville. Benefits scholarships for high school track and cross country athletes. Participants receive long sleeved tech running T-shirt. 412-490-0881 or ksmith@eliterunners.comFeb. 16, 11 a.m.: Ellport Boro Winter Wonderland 5K, Ellwood City. Help Herb Cratty celebrate his birthday with running and refreshments. 724-758-2506 or bonnherb@yahoo.comFeb. 21, 7:30 p.m.: Spirit of the Marathon, Cinemark, Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills. Encore presentation of the film. Order tickets online at www.fathomevents.comFeb. 23, 9 a.m.: Spring Thaw, North Park. Choice of 10 miles, 15 miles or 20 miles; post-run soup buffet. 412-490-0881 or ksmith@eliterunners.comMarch 2, 8:30 a.m.: Mill Creek Distance Classic, Youngstown, Ohio. Hilly half marathon runs through Millcreek Metro Park. 330-727-6070 or rhart829@sbglobal.netSend comments and suggestions to: 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, PA 16056. Phone or fax: 724-352-4395. E-mail: bigp16@connecttime.net<b><i>Pat Neubert is the running columnist for the Butler Eagle.</i></b>